Hostels in ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA

City of Zanzibar in Tanzania – City of Ports and Waterways

A semi autonomous part of the United Republic of Tanzania, City Zanzibar in Tanzania is located in East Africa. Zanzibar archipelago in the Indian Ocean consists of numerous tiny islands as well as a couple of large islands like Unguja and Pemba. Unguja is referred to as Zanzibar. About 1500 km to the east of the city is located Seychelles Island. Zanzibar is known for its well organized waterways and five ports.

Zanzibar Accommodations
Hotels, both expensive as well as the budget hotels are available in Zanzibar. It is up to the choice of the visitor and guests to choose between advanced modern amenities and affordable and economic accommodations. Guest house, hostels, and bed and breakfast options are among other suitable accommodation facilities. At the same time, there are resorts and lodgings available in the city like most of the other African cities. Most attractive among the accommodations are the beach resorts.

Brief History
Once a separate state, Zanzibar has a long trading history in the Arab world. Zanzibar was untied with Tanganyika forming Tanzania in the year 1964. Capital of Zanzibar is located on the island of Unguja in Zanzibar City. Main industries of Zanzibar include agriculture and tourism. Spices and raffia are produced in plenty. After gaining independence from United Kingdom in 1963, the city confronted the bloody Zanzibar Revolution. Genocide followed and the popular reactions ultimately led to the establishment of a new Republic of Zanzibar and Pemba.

Getting Around
With a total road network of around 1,600 km, the transport should have been quite good in and around Zanzibar. However, there is no public transport system in the city. Dalala is the only mode of local transportation available here. Zanzibar has a thriving sea transport system put in place. Five ports in Zanzibar and Pemba helps the cause appropriately. The city can be best explored in the company of an expert guide.

Places of Interests
•    Stone Town that is one of the World Heritage sites
•    Unguja, the capital of Zanzibar
•    Mafia Islands
•    Spice Islands

Apart from the above, historians and archaeologists find the place interesting since flora and fauna of the area is connected with the African mainland since the last ice ages. Zanzibar Red Colobus, for instance, is one of the rarest species available in the city. Rare native animals include the Zanzibar leopard, servaline genet and a few others.

Zanzibar Currency
Tanzanian Shilling is the official currency of the hole of the region, including Zanzibar. Banknotes are available in the denomination of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 shilling and coins as 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 shilling. Checking regularly through the currency exchange news can give correct insight into the currency exchange rates.